Martin D-28: The Definition of Dreadnought

The Martin D-28 is an absolute classic American dreadnought. Known for its clarity and projection, the D-28 radiates with the same brilliant tones that have endeared Martin guitars to players for generations. Finely crafted by the Martin luthiers in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, everything about the D-28 makes a statement of extraordinary quality and tonal excellence.

Unmistakable Martin Sound

Since 1833, Martin has built guitars of remarkable quality and sound. The dreadnought -- one of Martin's most significant innovations -- is legendary for its impeccable balance, clear projection, and robust tone. The D-28 uses rosewood for the back and sides to capture the classic Martin depth and definition. The solid spruce top gives a crispness to the high end which rounds out the tonal picture. Though closely associated with bluegrass and folk styles of play, the bold sound and immersive character of the D-28 makes this a great choice for players in any genre.

A True Acoustic Icon

Though it may not have the ornamentation of some other high-end Martins, the D-28 still shines with the timeless appeal of a traditional dreadnought. The top sports a classy white rosette with elegant white binding to match. The back is made from two pieces of rosewood, and a striking checkered inlay runs down the middle where the pieces are joined. High-quality tuning machines adorn the headstock, as does the classic C.F. Martin & Co. logo.

Martin Warranty
Martin offers a limited lifetime warranty on all of their guitars (valid only to the original owner.) Backpackers, Little Martins and Ukuleles are warrantied for one year. Strings are not covered under warranty.

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 610-759-2837

Martin D-28 Dreadnought Acoustic

The Martin D-28 has an Ebony fingerboard, solid Spruce top, solid Indian Rosewood back (2-piece) and sides, white binding, and a black and white rosette. Other features include M6 chrome tuning gears, a gloss finish, and a Martin hardshell case. Professional musicians choose the gorgeous D-28 for its powerful resonance and volume. The large dreadnought body produces a strong bass response without disturbing the clarity of the treble strings.

zZounds Expert Review

What more needs to be said about the Martin D-28, one of the most highly regarded and iconic acoustic guitars of the 20th century? Initially taken up by country and bluegrass musicians, the guitar offers a deep resonant bass response that was a welcome change to smaller-bodied guitars that were once the standard. With the D-28's larger body size comes extra punch and projection, as well as a much more intense volume increase. What I like most about the Martin D-28 is how the bass is much more present, allowing the guitar to fill out the overall sound of small groups or solo singer-songwriters. My next-favorite aspect is how unassuming the appearance of the guitar is, with its minimalist design features and classic looks. As for the D-28's tone, it has great clarity when flatpicked, and great snap in the higher register. I noticed the guitar was built for power, and it shows when strumming open chords -- even more so when strumming a bit more aggressively. For all of the fingerpickers out there, don't worry -- this guitar can handle that style of playing in spades. There's a reason why this guitar became so popular, and its versatility is a great reason to add it to your arsenal.

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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
"My Martin D-28 is a perfect 10!"

Sound:
I do a lot of bass pick/strum or bass pick/pluck, (and some really elementry finger picking), and none of the sound gets lost in the process. The bass is strong, the mids ring and the tops strings are crisp and clean.
Feature:
The only "accessory" was the factory hard shell case. It is most adequate for the protection of this fine instrument.
The materials, (Indian rosewood/spruce/mahogany/ebony) are well selected and perfectly matched. The binding is perfect. The tuners hold their tune much beter than my older Seagull.
Quality:
It seems fashionable in some circles to "Martin bash" on quality issues. I think this is due to the fact that the difference between the top names, (Martin, Gibson, Guild) and the competition is very much smaller than it used to be. Also because these top names have brought out popular priced models to compete. Suffice it to say that I have found the D-28 to be flawless. It is better than I expected, and more thanI hoped for.
Value:
I certainly haven't played every brand and model guitar available, but I've played a bunch of them, and the only one I would hold out against my D-28 is my neighbor's Schoenberg. (At a $400 or $500 price premium.) So, yes, I rate the D-28 as a huge value.
Manufacturer Support:
This is a brand new instrument with no "out of the box" issues, so I can only expect that my support will be there if I ever need it. Martin has de-centralized their support to a network of factory approved luthiers, one of which is very conviently located, so I anticipate no problems in this regard. (Back when support was rendered in Pennsylvania, my friend sent his D-35 in for some major adjustments, and received it back in perfect condition, with a note chastising him for his neglect, and suggesting that he take better care of his instrument in the future!)
The Wow Factor:
Acoustic guitars in general are a pretty generic lot in the "sex appeal" department. Gloss vs. matte, rosewood vs. mahogany, full body vs. cutaway- these are really personal preference issues. I can only say that of all the "Plain Jane" dreadnauts out there, I've fallen for mine! The inlays are very conservative, but perfectly executed. The finish has no blemishes I can see, (with my poor old eyes). The bindings, as previously stated, are beautifully done. Sexy? Yeah, to me it's very sexy.
Overall:
This is almost certainly my "run out" guitar. For one thing, I'm getting up there. For another, I could get much, much better that I am, and still not outpace the D-28. I expect this fine instrument to give me 25 years or so of pure enjoyment, and then I'll pass it on to some lucky kid.

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"King of Acoustic Dreadnoughts"

Overall:
Martin D28 is the ultimate acoustic guitar. All other guitars are compared to this one. The fit and finish of the guitar are impeccable. Beautiful sound with any style of playing that I've done so far. Thanks to zZounds.com for the "Pay as you play" option. I would not be able to purchase this caliber instrument without it. I recommend this acoustic as in investment. It will be a cherished item in my family and eventually passed down to my grandchildren.

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